Thursday, July 26, 2012

Last weekend marked the second time the Credit River Antique Tractor Club had its FREE show at the Cedar Lake Regional Park in Scott County, and everyone was glad to hear that the park will be the home for the Credit River Show for at least the next four years. Most members hope we can use the park far into the future.

The beautiful setting of the tall oaks and the calm lake make for a perfect family outing, offering swimming and fishing, music, food, and a time to relax and enjoy the outdoors with family.

The days were hot, but the lake and the shade trees had a cooling effect on everyone, and there was no reason to "work up a sweat" by hurrying. Everything waited for you.

Visitors walking in the gate on Friday, may have seen Jerry Schwinghammer using one of his fine antique Farmalls to level out a pile of wood chips. Yes, all these antique tractors run and are quite capable of working, too. The show was open to all for free on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to about 7:00 PM. Regular park hours are posted at the gate.

Leaders of the Credit River Antique Tractor Club handed out free programs and sold tickets to the

raffle off the Farmall Cub pictured below.

Nancy posing next to our 8N Ford tractor in front of our booth, where we displayed pictures of past farm activities in a Farm Heritage display and sold our Farm Heritage books for children and adults.

Tucked in among the trees and around the buildings of the farmstead, there were lots of tractors to see.

Venders offered unique crafts and some antiques for sale.

Parents bought books from us for their children and some of them posed with the kids for pictures.

Others gave me the privilege of posing with their children.

Instead of walking the grounds, you could sit in the shade to watch

the tractor parade and let the tractors come to you.

Some visitors who came primarily to swim on the hot day took a break from their activities

to enjoy the parade of tractors.

Bob Pexa (left) and Maynard Ohms provide music in the parade as they stood on the back of a truck restored and driven by Dick Mushitz.

Dick's brother Don rides along and cranks down the window so Nancy can get a clear photo of them.

After the parade, parents stop to buy books for their children and take photos in front of my tractor.

Some children like to pretend they're driving. I don't blame some tractor owners for not allowing people on the tractors, but when child or adult asks me I always say, "Yes"because I love it when I can make someone smile.

I don't recommend climbing on the tractors when the owner is not around, but if the owner is present, just ask.

Nothing makes my day like a child hanging onto one of my books purchased by a parent, especially when they won't even allow us to put it in the bag but want to carry it with them as shown below.

The weather was hot, but I talked to three old-timers in their 90s who were walking around the grounds and enjoying the show. These guys are tough, but they assured me they were taking it "easy."
Those who came to the Credit River Antique Tractor Club Show enjoyed the day and appreciated all the work the members put in to make the show possible.

Although I am tempted, I am not going to list all those who worked hard for the show because I would probably omit a name or two, and the fact is that so much goes on, I don't think any one person really could list everyone who helped.
Unlike some of the big shows, like Pioneer Power near Le Sueur and Little Log near Hastings, the Credit River Show does not feature threshing, sawing lumber, or other farm activities. I admit that I love going to the big shows to see all the activities, and I truly marvel at all the work the members of those clubs accomplish.
The Credit River Show, however, offers a more quiet, leisurely outing with the family, like a picnic by a lake.
I thank all of the hard-working members and leaders who relentlessly appear day after day to contribute their time to make it possible.
And I thank Scott County Park board personnel for allowing us to use the park and for arranging all the special activities on Saturday.

Bob Pexa plays music as he sits in front of his restored Ford Jubilee and Farmall manure spreader.

We planned to attend, but then Randy and I decided it was just too hot. Thanks for taking me there via your story and Nancy's photos. Next year perhaps. This looks like a beautiful setting, just as you said.

No denying, it was hot. But the shade from the trees and breezes from the lake kept it surprisingly comfortable, if one didn't try to move too fast. By the way, Audrey, I met your niece at Farmfest and she was a blast.

Oh, that sounds like a fun day. I‘m so jealous!!! Haha! It’s been a while since I attended an antique tractor show like this! I’m actually looking forward to catch some of these awesome tractors soon! ;)